Jerold B. Volk

This MA project, titled 'Beyond the Forbidden: Reimaging Divination as a Path to the Divine,' examines the historical complexities and contradictions of divination within Jewish tradition. It argues for reframing divination as a legitimate path to dialogue with the Divine in contemporary Jewish practice. The project explores the historical Jewish engagement with various divinatory practices, analyzing how their legitimacy depended on context, authority, and the identity of the practitioner. It proposes guiding principles for modern engagement, including using divination as a form of Hitbodedut, maintaining a monotheistic foundation, focusing on present-moment insight, and serving as a tool for self-guidance, often enhanced by imagery through practices such as Hebrew alphabet contemplation, Tarot, oracle cards, ecological divination, and astrology. The objective is to restore divine dialogue in modern Judaism and empower individuals to seek spiritual guidance.

The Academy for Jewish Religion's mission is to serve the Jewish community by training leaders, rabbis, cantors, and scholars. It aims to integrate intellectual and spiritual traditions with contemporary Jewish life, promoting openness and awareness of God's presence. The institution is committed to serving both the Jewish and general communities by providing knowledge and addressing contemporary issues in Jewish life. The program emphasizes the development of personal Jewish values, recognition of diverse viewpoints, and mastery of Jewish tradition, ritual, and language skills. Graduates are prepared to officiate ceremonies, lead services, provide counseling, teach Torah, and build welcoming communities.